CVE-2023-4698 in memos
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2023
Improper Input Validation in GitHub repository usememos/memos prior to 0.13.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2026
The vulnerability in the GitHub repository usememos/memos prior to version 0.13.2 represents a critical improper input validation flaw that exposes the application to various security risks. This issue stems from inadequate sanitization and validation of user-provided data within the application's input handling mechanisms, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the memos application where user inputs are processed without proper validation checks, allowing attackers to inject malformed or malicious data that could compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests in how the application processes and stores user-generated content without implementing robust input validation measures. This weakness enables attackers to submit specially crafted inputs that bypass normal security controls, potentially leading to code injection, data corruption, or unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user inputs are directly processed without adequate sanitization, making it susceptible to various attack patterns including but not limited to cross-site scripting attacks, command injection, and data manipulation attempts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of systems running affected versions of memos. Organizations relying on this application for note-taking, documentation, or collaborative work may face risks of data breaches, unauthorized access, or system compromise. The impact extends beyond immediate exploitation potential to include long-term security implications such as persistent backdoors, data exfiltration capabilities, and potential lateral movement within compromised networks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish footholds in environments where memos is deployed.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security design. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a common but serious security gap that requires comprehensive remediation approaches. The ATT&CK framework categorizes such vulnerabilities under initial access and execution techniques where adversaries exploit input validation weaknesses to gain unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of version 0.13.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures including parameterized queries, proper data type validation, and regular security scanning of user inputs. Additional protective measures involve implementing web application firewalls, establishing strict input filtering rules, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system architecture.